FAISALABAD – Pakistan outclassed South Africa in third and final ODI to claim the series 2-1. Chasing modest 144-run target, the home side raced to victory, losing just three wickets and finishing with a staggering 100 balls to spare.
The chase started on tense note when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Nandre Burger in the very first over. But Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam joined Saim Ayub in the middle, and duo orchestrated a stunning recovery with a brisk 65-run partnership for the second wicket.
Babar’s innings of 27 runs off 32 balls, including five crisp boundaries, came to an abrupt end as he was run out on the second delivery of the 11th over.
Saim Ayub kept momentum alive, forging another crucial 65-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan that brought Pakistan within striking distance of victory. Saim’s scintillating innings concluded in the 24th over when Bjorn Fortuin dismissed him for 77 off 70 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and a six. Rizwan held his nerve, remaining unbeaten on 32 from 45 deliveries, hitting three boundaries and a six to steer Pakistan home, while all-rounder Salman Ali Agha added a swift 5 not out from just two balls. For South Africa, only Fortuin and Burger managed a wicket each.
South Africa’s decision to bat first under captain Matthew Breetzke backfired spectacularly. Despite promising starts from the opening pair, Lhuandré Pretorius (39 off 45 balls, four boundaries and a six) and Quinton de Kock (53 off 70 balls, six boundaries and a six), the Proteas failed to post a competitive total and were bowled out for 143 in 37.5 overs. De Kock’s dismissal by Mohammad Nawaz in the 25th over triggered a dramatic collapse, as Abrar Ahmed tore through the middle and lower order, taking four wickets for just 27 runs and reducing South Africa to rubble. The visitors lost their remaining eight wickets for just 37 runs, highlighting Pakistan’s devastating spin attack.
Pakistan’s victory was further bolstered by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, and Mohammad Nawaz, who each chipped in with two wickets. Aside from the openers, only captain Breetzke and Nqabayomzi Peter reached double figures, scoring 16 each, underlining the Proteas’ inability to handle Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
This win not only secured Pakistan the series but also sent a strong statement to the cricketing world. With Saim Ayub’s fiery half-century and Abrar Ahmed’s lethal spin, Pakistan proved their mettle, showcasing a team in supreme form and ready to dominate on any stage.
Pakistan’s mystery bowler Abrar Ahmed tore through South African batting lineup, leaving them reeling at just 143 all out in 37.5 overs, handing Pakistan a relatively easy target of 144 runs in the third and decisive ODI.
After winning the toss, Proteas chose to bat first. Openers Quinton de Kock and Lehan de Pretorius gave their side a bright start with a 72-run partnership, before Pretorius was dismissed for 39 runs. De Kock played a responsible innings, reaching his half-century but falling to Mohammad Nawaz for 53.
What followed was sheer devastation. Abrar Ahmed’s sharp spin completely ripped apart the South African lineup, narrowly missing a hat-trick. Middle and lower-order batsmen Tony de Zorzi (2), Rubin Hermann (1), Donovan Ferreira (7), Corbin Bosch (0), and Yann Fortuin (3) all fell cheaply as South Africa collapsed under pressure.
For Men in Green, Abrar claimed 4 wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, and Shaheen Afridi picked up 2 wickets each. Pakistan made two changes to their playing XI, bringing back Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed, while Naseem Shah and Wasim Jr. were left out.
Earlier in the series, South Africa had leveled the three-match ODI contest 1-1, thanks to Quinton de Kock’s unbeaten century, which powered them to an eight-wicket victory in the second ODI, also played in Faisalabad.
The stage is now set for Pakistan to dominate the series decider, with Abrar Ahmed’s spin showing signs of changing the game entirely.
